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Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : 1 year parts and labor

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : 3-1/4 x 2-7/8” (81 x 71.5mm)

Weight (Approx.) : 1 lb 2.3 oz (518 g)

Features

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Circular Aperture

When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the light sources appear blurred. This ‘bokeh’ effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens. Conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing polygonal shaped defocussed points of light. α lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result.

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Aspherical lens elements

Aspherical lens design dramatically reduces spherical aberration while also reducing lens size and weight. Spherical aberration is a slight misalignment of the light rays projected on the image plane. This is caused by differences in refraction at different points on conventional spherical lenses which degrade image quality in large-aperture lenses. Specially shaped “aspherical” elements near the diaphragm restore alignment of light rays at the image plane, maintaining high sharpness and contrast even at maximum aperture and can also be used at other points in the optical path to reduce distortion. Well-designed aspherical elements can reduce the total number of elements required in the lens, thus reducing overall size and weight.
Advanced Aspherical (AA) elements are an evolved variant, featuring an extremely high thickness ratio between the center and periphery. AA elements are exceedingly difficult to produce, relying on the most advanced molding technology to consistently and precisely achieve the required shape and surface accuracy, resulting in significantly improved image accuracy and quality.

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Carl Zeiss T* (T-star) coating

Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss® -- and this superb lens features the Carl Zeiss T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces. The T* coating contributes to outstanding image quality, with high contrast and uniformly excellent resolution right out to the image edges. Not simply applied to any lens -- the T* symbol only appears on multi-element lenses in which the required performance has been achieved throughout the entire optical path, therefore guaranteeing the highest quality.

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Focus hold button

Once you’ve adjusted focus to where you want it, pressing this button on the lens barrel will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. The preview function can also be assigned to this button through the camera’s custom settings.

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Rear focusing elements

Only the rear groups of the optical system move to focus the lens, which allows for speedy AF operation and a shorter minimum focusing distance. Since the front of the lens does not rotate, operability is improved when shooting with a polarizing filter attached.

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SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor)

SSM is a piezoelectric motor that contributes to smooth and silent AF operation. The motor produces high torque at slow rotation, and provides immediate start and stop responses. It is also extremely quiet, which helps keep autofocusing silent. Lenses that feature SSM also include a position-sensitive detector to directly detect the amount of lens rotation, a factor that improves AF precision overall.

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High-grade metal body

The high-grade lens body is constructed of aluminum that offers both high rigidity and an attractive finish that contributes to pride of ownership.

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Carl Zeiss® Planar Lens

The Carl Zeiss® Planar lens first became synonymous with high-performance lenses by realizing a large aperture, flat reproduction characteristics, and the successful removal of astigmatism. Once the T* coating was introduced to dramatically reduce internal reflection from its progressive double Gauss design (with front-back symmetry), Planar became one of the most renowned lenses in the Carl Zeiss lineup, which is synonymous with high-performance standard lenses.

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Carl Zeiss® T* Coating

Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss® -- and this superb lens features T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates the lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces.

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Superior Large-Aperture Performance

Like other large-aperture Carl Zeiss® lens designs, this f1.4 lens is simply magnificent in its ability to capture brilliant high-resolution images in low-light conditions requiring fully open aperture.

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SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor)

Designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing, this unique technology achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response. It operates through the ability of a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied.

Because light of different wavelength (or color) bends at different angles when it passes through a lens, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass is used in Carl Zeiss® lenses to eliminate chromatic aberration by correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well-defined colors.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 9
reviewers.

Rated 5 out of 5 by robertgreatrixphotography Excellent
You buy this lens because you want quality and it delivers. Sharpness is incredible. Solid build with a focus hold button on the lens make it a worthwhile investment.
August 21, 2013

Rated 5 out of 5 by ElGueroMasLoco Killer Lens
Sony/Zeiss have really stepped up the quality with the new 50. I also own the 85 and the 135, plus the 24-70, and this lens is just in a different league altogether. I preordered the lens on faith, and it certainly delivered by revealing just how much detail can be squeezed from the sensor on my a99. In fact, the lens appears to be a perfect match. Don't get me wrong, the other Zeiss lenses are wonderful, and the 85 is probably my favorite focal length, but the 50 brings a new level of sharpness, contrast and character above and beyond what we've ever seen before in the alpha mount.
Sure, it doesn't come with a case, like the other Zeiss lenses do, and the lens hood may be a tad on the flimsy side, but the build quality overall is excellent. I was dripping sweat onto it, and bushwhacking through the trees in the Amazon and Andes and it came out unscathed.
If you're looking for the ultimate in image quality from your alpha mount, this is the lens to get, with quality to spare for the next several generations of sensors coming down the line.
August 22, 2013

Rated 5 out of 5 by Pawpaw Highest quality lens I have ever owned!
Read all the reviews but in the end the Sony charts said it all. This lens is very well built, fast, high contrast (even at 1.4) and extremely sharp. You would have to enlarge your pics beyond 20x30 to even start finding weaknesses. One review stated you would only use 1.4 in must to low light situations, wrong. Depth of field only problem wide open and still I have already shot some of my most favorite pics on this lens at 1.4. I spend most of the time in the F2-3.2 area. Bokeh very smooth. F4 and up this lens gets insanely sharp. I know most are not 100% onboard with price; at least I didn't drop $11,000 on the newest Leica 50. Just saying this lens delivers on price/performance. I do not work in the photography field, just someone who likes good equipment. I had one printed on metallic paper - off the chart sharp 16x20. The A99 and Zeiss lens out performs my medium format from the late 80's.
August 21, 2013

Rated 5 out of 5 by SLUF1354 Two lenses; HUGE Difference
Having had the SAL50F14 since the beginning, it to me was firmly seated in my general photography lens kit. I must confess that I am enamored of every Zeiss lens I have, and was looking forward to the release of the SAL50F14Z since it was first announced. With its arrival, I put it to work at once, and am pleased to say it is all I've come to expect and more. Yes, it is more weight than the non-Zeiss lens, but it is easily forgotten when shooting. The focus seems faster with less hunting with busy compositions. The true value comes to you when the images are presented for critical editing. Transitions between similar tones is sharp yet still pleasing, and relatively large prints display a sort of 'you are there' quality. And playing with the depth of field is quite rewarding as well. Not much more to say than a line I've used in other reviews: "You are getting what you've paid for."
October 2, 2013

Rated 5 out of 5 by YourMomma Great lens!
Z letter at the end of SAL50F14 does not only add extra $1000 to the price but also significantly improves image quality. Everything - colors, sharpness and bokeh look great. Super fast and accurate AF thanks to SSM, and finally this is the first dust and water proof Sony/Zeiss lens! The last point is especially nice because it's the "standard" 50mm, probably most useful prime. My copy out of the box didn't require any micro adjustments, the focusing motor doesn't sound like a meat grinder on my 85mm and focus is consistent.
It would be nice if Sony along with the lens also released a firmware update to support the AF-D mode and the supplemental focus points. Also for $1500 price tag I would expect to find a lens case in the box ;)
August 12, 2013

Rated 4 out of 5 by Thkpic1 You get what you paid for.
I own this lens...and it hasn't let me down whatsoever. The build is fantastic and the images are razor sharp. I also own the 135mm 1.8 Zeiss as well. Now, in terms of contrast it comes up in spades. Its also virtually silent to focus from a mechanical perspective. Lastly, the bokeh is very pleasing as I find it smooth and distinct from other 50's that tend to share the same bland quality.
Two gripes I have. Focusing distance is too long....I wish it were shorter. For portrait work this is not a problem however. For meddling around it sometimes is. Lastly, the hood is a pure insult at this price point. It should be metal. However, truth be told the optic is so far recessed in the lens you rarely need it.
I've compared numerous shots to the much touted Sigma 50mm 1.4 ART. It may be sharper wide open, but I in no way find the bokeh or contrast as pleasing. It's use of more elements and a greater number of groups (more corrections) presents a trade off. You get that sharpness on the cheap at the expense of these previously mentioned qualities. Pick what you value....but to my eyes I'd gladly choose the Zeiss all day. Thats even before mentioning the build quality, better AF and weather sealing. You get what you pay for. By the way, stick this on an a7r and stop down a bit and your in medium format territory. Absolutely amazing.
July 27, 2014

Rated 5 out of 5 by PerfectSilhouette .Excellently crafted piece of glass and metal.
I purchased this lens from my local camera store and it was magnificent. Noticed it available on ebay, returned that one and won the auction. Same pristine quality as the brand new lens. Took many sample shots with both and impressed with the quality and out of focus rendering to the background. Images were quite punchy, sharp and retained great colors. Build is exceptional as well as focusing speed and quietness. I own the 85 and 135 as well and this compliments the other two while creating a perfect trio. Purchase and fall in love, otherwise miss out and wish you had.
July 15, 2014

Rated 2 out of 5 by JuniperLaurel Not impressed
I purchased this after using the 85 1.4 Zeiss for a year and a half and being absolutely in love with that lens. But I needed something that would allow me to work within slightly more confined spaces - and people seemed to love the 50 1.4, so I ordered it in March. I have not been impressed. Yes, the auto focus is super fast (and much, much quieter than the 85), but it is also really quick to move out of focus (which is frustrating). My main issue with this lens, though, is the color quality. Images are slightly off-toned and a tad greenish. The colors with the 85 are phenomenal - and the cost cast with the 50 is slight, really, but when I am selling my work, it needs to be perfect, and so far I haven't truly loved any images I've taken with the 50 (and I've probably shot 8-10k with it so far). I typically keep the 50 on one camera body and the 85 on another (and another lens on a third). When I go to edit, I find I am discarding almost every single shot I get from my 50 (and I've rotated it to various bodies - all the a99 - so it is not a camera issue). Maybe I was sent a dud lens - but how do I know? Pictures often appear a bit soft also with this lens. I wish I had purchased another lens instead - and I should have sent this lens back the day I got it! Oh and people keep griping about the bad lens hood. It really is bad - what a piece of junk. I can't believe Sony would put that on a lens at this price. I feel like a lot of things were cheaped down with this lens, and it is making me start to rethink my very strong affiliation with Sony cameras. I am very, very disappointed in this lens. I really wanted to love it (or hey, at least like it!) but I just do not enjoy using it at all.
July 10, 2014